Author name: Isabella Koepf

Isabella is a 500hr certified yoga teacher, clinical herbalist, and health coach with a B.Sc. in psychology, biology, and religious studies. She currently runs a health and wellness consulting and counseling business called Surya Bella. She is also the co-founder of Shiva Priya Yoga Ashram, located in Rishikesh, India. Posts by Isabella Koepf »

How to Practice the 8-Limbs of Yoga

The 8-limbs of yoga, also known as Ashtanga Yoga, are often regarded as the foundation of yoga philosophy. They were first codified sometime around 500 BCE to 400 CE by the sage Patanjali in his seminal text, the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. The 8-limbs are yama (moral discipline), niyama (observances), asana (postures), pranayama (breathing practices), pratyahara […]

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The Vedas and Upanishads: The Traditional Scriptures of Yoga

To truly understand the core of yoga and yogic philosophy, it is necessary to start all the way at the beginning of this philosophical system with the Vedas and Upanishads. Underlying the various yogic philosophy texts of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, and others lie these core Hindu texts known as the

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The Ancient Secrets of the Patanjali Yoga Sutras

Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not just a system of exercise; it actually consists of a complex philosophical system that is aimed at the pursuit of enlightenment. One of the primary texts of yoga that explains the philosophical basis for this practice is known as the Patanjali Yoga Sutras. This ancient text was written

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Pranayama: The Key to Unlocking the Power of Prana in Yoga

Have you ever been to a yoga class and wondered why people were breathing in a different or unique way? Well, that is pranayama or yogic breathing. Pranayama is the ancient yogic practice of specific breathing exercises that are used to gain various benefits to the body, mind, and soul. Traditionally, pranayama practice was used

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